Aethon Enters into Technology Development Partnership with Defense Robotics Expert, RE2.

Aethon TUG technology to serve as mobile platform for Robotic Nursing Assistant, the RNA 

PITTSBURGH -- Aethon, Inc., a leader in affordable autonomous mobile robots for healthcare supply chain management, announced today that it has partnered with RE2, a leading developer of intelligent modular manipulation systems, in the design of a Robotic Nursing Assistant, or RNA.

Hospitals today are facing significant staffing shortages, especially with patient care personnel such as registered nurses (RNs). As a result, the number of work-related injuries continues to rise, particularly back injuries. Advances in robotic technology can provide health care workers assistance in performing labor intensive and repetitive tasks.

The RNA concept combines Aethon's proven mobile robotic platform and sophisticated navigation technology with RE2's intelligent dexterous manipulation expertise. The RNA will be designed to be an extension of the nurse when performing physically challenging tasks, such as moving a patient from a gurney to a hospital bed.

"Aethon is a respected leader in mobile robotics for the hospital setting," said Jorgen Pedersen, president and chief executive officer of RE2, Inc. "We are pleased to utilize the proven TUG platform in the design of the RE2 RNA. Through this partnership, we are able to leverage our dexterous manipulation and defense robotics expertise to benefit the healthcare market."

"As Aethon establishes a leadership position in hospital robotics applications, we are excited to leverage our technology and expertise with partners like RE2, who share our vision for improved healthcare delivery through innovation," said Spencer Allen, CTO, Aethon. "The TUG is a versatile platform for a range of mobile robotic applications and we look forward to working with other partners in the future."

To support design of the Robotic Nursing Assistant, RE2 recently received a Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract grant from the U.S. Army's Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center (TATRC).

About Aethon

Based in Pittsburgh, Pa., Aethon is a leader in affordable, autonomous mobile robots for practical business applications. In healthcare, the company's automated technology platform is redefining hospital supply chain logistics by automating the location, delivery and recovery of key assets. The net result of Aethon's low-cost, easy-to-install, RFID-based asset utilization solution is improved caregiver efficiency and satisfaction, increased asset utilization, decreased equipment rentals, increased patient safety and satisfaction, and improved regulatory compliance. More than 100 hospitals nationwide have deployed Aethon's robots. Aethon is a privately held, venture-backed company. It has raised $22.5 million from Innovation Works, Draper Triangle Ventures, Salix Ventures, Ascension Health Ventures and Pacific Venture Group, among others. For more information, visit www.aethon.com.

About RE2, Inc.

RE2, Inc. is a leading developer of intelligent modular manipulation systems and JAUS software solutions. The Company's manipulation systems utilize the RE2 JAUS Software Development Kit to ensure interoperability with fielded robotic platforms. RE2's customers include the Army, Navy, government labs, universities, and defense prime contractors. RE2's expertise lends itself to several markets, including defense, law-enforcement, homeland security, and explosive ordnance disposal. For more information, please visit www.resquared.com.